F-260 Mordecai Honored - Esther 6:1-14  What were some of your favorite bedtime stories growing up?  What do people usually think of someone who “toots his (or her) own horn”?  What elements make a story interesting to you?  What interesting literary techniques have you noticed in Bible stories?  What did King Xerxes do to deal with insomnia? (6:1)  What did the king discover when the book of the chronicles was read to him? (6:2)  What honor had Mordecai received for exposing the men who plotted to assassinate the king? (6:3)  Why did Haman enter the outer court of the king? (6:4)  What advice did the king request of Haman? (6:6)  What significant detail did the king choose to exclude from his question to Haman? (6:6)  What did Haman assume about the king’s question? (6:6)  How did Haman flatter the king? (6:7-9)  What did Haman think would be the best way to be honored by the king? (6:7-9)  What command did King Xerxes give to Haman? (6:10)  What humiliating action was Haman forced to take because of his arrogance? (6:11)  How did Haman feel about honoring Mordecai? (6:12-13)  How did Haman’s wife and friends react to what had happened? (6:13)  What is ironic about what happened to Haman and Mordecai?  How do we see the sovereignty of God at work in the lives of these people?  How have you seen God’s sovereignty at work in your own life?  In what way does this event encourage you to do what is right even though you do not always see immediate rewards in it?  What will eventually happen to people who love God and obey Him?  How did Haman’s pride influence the events of this story?  What are some of the consequences of pride?  Who or what tempts you to feel proud?  How can we protect ourselves against the temptation to be proud or arrogant?  What temptations to pride do you expect to face this coming week?  What concrete actions can you take this week to cultivate a spirit of humility?  How can you prepare yourself for the temptations to pride you expect to face this week?  How can you encourage a friend to persevere in doing what is right even if it hurts?